Lacombe County council discussed a looming $300,000 hike in policing costs from the provincial government that will be passed along to ratepayers. The topic was discussed at the Jan. 8 regular meeting of council.

On council’s consent agenda was a letter from deputy premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis. “I am writing to update you on changes to Alberta's Police Funding Model (PFM) that will affect your municipality beginning on April 1,” stated Ellis’ letter dated Dec. 18. “The changes resulted from recommendations arising from the independent review of the PFM conducted by MNP LLP during spring and summer 2025, which included comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

“...the original model tied contributions to 2018 policing costs ($252.3 million) rather than current expenditures. The costs... have risen over time to well over $380.5 million for 2025-26. This increase is due to RCMP contracted salary adjustments and inflation, as well as the additional positions enabled by the PFM.

“As minister, I held the costs to municipalities at approximately 19 per cent of front-line policing costs (which is below the intended 30 per cent), and the province contributed a higher shared of the cost in order to allow for the review of the PFM to occur. With the review complete, and the police funding regulation expiring in March 2026, Alberta is now updating the model to ensure it reflects the real cost of policing today while maintaining predictability for municipal budgeting,” stated the deputy premier.

Ellis went on to explain that over the next few years the Government of Alberta will expect municipalities affected by the PFM to pay more for their policing, eventually reaching the 30 per cent mark that was noted.

During discussion Lacombe County staff observed that some policing costs have increased since 2020 due to things like RCMP collective bargaining.

Staff also observed from Ellis letter how PFM hikes to certain municipalities will be calculated: population, equalized assessment (in essence, property values) and calls for service.

County staff stated that it appears Lacombe County should expect a $300,000 hike in policing costs in a single budget year. Increases in later years are expected to be smaller than that.

As councillors discussed Ellis’ letter they noted that municipalities have no say in this decision, and that Ellis’ letter was simply for informational purposes. Councillors also noted that some municipalities in Alberta feel they’re paying more for policing while getting less service.

Councillors also noted that all increases are eventually passed on to the ratepayers; this became a topic of conversation itself as Lacombe County such policing costs on its property tax invoices although it was mentioned the Government of Alberta doesn't like this.

Councillors discussed how PFM increases will be calculated, particularly the “calls for service” portion. It was noted this portion is a double-edged sword in that the more calls for service you have, the more policing you get but the more money you are expected to pay. Councillors discussed the fact the Hwy. #2 freeway runs through Lacombe County and the role this freeway plays in crime.

Councillors asked for clarification on when the $300,000 hike would take effect, and staff responded likely this year in 2026 and it was again noted provincial policing hikes would be listed on tax bills in that manner so ratepayers know where the increase came from.

It was added that future provincial policing hikes are not expected to be as large as the one in 2026.

Councillors accepted the letter as information.